Last Updated 27 July 2024
3 Days in Barcelona: The Ultimate Itinerary
In this 3 days in Barcelona itinerary, we will take you through some of the best things to do in Barcelona during your time in the city. Some will say 3 days in Barcelona isn’t enough, but we don’t all have the luxury of time to travel for months at a time. Of course, if you did, we’d say you could spend weeks, even months in this city. But don’t worry, we’ve made sure this Barcelona Itinerary covers the city’s main attractions and will ensure you have the best experience as a first-time visitor.
Barcelona is a huge, vibrant city that should be on every travelers list. The city has beautiful architecture, beaches, shopping, and even some delicious tapas bars. With 3 days in Barcelona, you can visit some of the city’s most iconic spots. This Barcelona itinerary will take you through Gaudi’s masterpieces, the beaches, and churches, and ensure you indulge in delicious tapas along the way. Barcelona is an incredible city waiting to be explored and this Barcelona travel guide covers some of the top attractions and best places to visit in Barcelona to give you the best experience during your time in the city.
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3 Days in Barcelona Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Casa Batlló, Casa Milá, Las Ramblas, La Boqueria, Barri Gothic, Barcelona Cathedral
Day 2: Sagrada Familia, Park Güell
Day 3: Parc de la Ciutadella, La Barceloneta, Montjuïc Castle, Montjuïc Fountain
3 days in Barcelona: What to expect in this itinerary
The Catalan capital is bursting with life and culture. Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe and this itinerary includes a long list of things to see, do, and of course, eat! So if you plan to visit during peak season, generally between June and September, brace yourself for long lines at tourist attractions and higher prices. Just be sure to book tickets to attractions in advance to avoid disappointment. Places like La Sagrada Familia only sell a certain number of tickets a day and these sell out pretty quickly. So you’ll want to ensure you have these booked in advance to avoid missing out.
This 3 days in Barcelona itinerary is packed with top Barcelona tourist attractions including world-famous sights, beautiful beaches, and history. You’ll find we’ve grouped attractions based on their locations to save you time while exploring. You’ll be able to easily walk to some attractions while for others you may have to jump onto a metro or bus. We have also listed first, where possible, those attractions that you should visit earlier in the day before they get too crowded. Either way, this itinerary should make it easy enough for you to plan your perfect trip and cover the top attractions in Barcelona.
How long do you need in Barcelona?
Barcelona is one of those cities where you could spend days on end. No matter how many times you visit, you’ll come across new places or things to do. With so much to see and do in Barcelona, you’ll need at least 3 or 4 days in the city. Of course, you could see the highlights of the city in less than that, but we think with 3 days in Barcelona you can cover some of the top attractions and get a good feel for the city. With some of the best things to do in Barcelona, from Sagrada Familia to Park Güell, you’ll do yourself a disservice if you don’t allow enough time to explore what the city has to offer.
3 Days in Barcelona: The Ultimate Itinerary
Whether you are in Barcelona for a weekend or it’s part of a longer Spain trip, you are going to be pleasantly surprised. This itinerary covers some of the best places to visit in Barcelona. In our opinion, 3 days in Barcelona is the perfect amount of time to experience most of the city’s main tourist attractions. You may even have some time to hit the shops or just sit back on the beach and relax.
Day 1: 3 Days in Barcelona
On day 1, you’ll spend the day covering some of the most popular and unmissable attractions in Barcelona such as Plaza De Cataluna, Las Ramblas, La Boqueria Market, Barcelona Cathedral, and the Gothic Quarter. With these iconic locations within walking distance of each other, you can easily cover them in a day.
Casa Batlló
You’ll start the day at Casa Batlló and make your way to the other attractions from here. Casa Batlló is one of Antoni Gaudi’s creations that is located in the center of Barcelona. It’s one of the more unique things to see in Barcelona. The colorful building has a variety of shapes along with irregular oval windows. It is predominantly decorated with colorful mosaics made of broken ceramic tiles. It’s a great attraction to view from the outside, but if you have spare time and are not on a budget, it’s worth paying to enter the house. The stunning spiral staircase inside leads you to the incredible rooftop terrace that is shaped to represent a dragon.
Casa Batlló is also included on the Go Barcelona Pass, providing you with free entry. You can also get discounted admission with a Barcelona Card if you buy your ticket at the door. You can book these tickets which include an audio guide.
Tip: You can enter Casa Batlló before the opening time of 9 am. Purchase tickets to enter at 8:30 am, if you want to skip the crowds.
Casa Milá
La Pedrera, also known as Casa Milá, is located within a few minutes of Casa Batlló. This is another one of Gaudi’s houses in Barcelona. The building has a unique limestone façade and a constant curve. It is famous for its rooftop terrace so if you do go inside be sure to get up there to catch some beautiful views of Barcelona.
Casa Milá is not as popular as Casa Batlló, but you could use the Go Barcelona Pass, which has skip-the-line access to Casa Mila. Like with Casa Batlló, you can get discounted admission with a Barcelona Card if you buy your ticket at the door. Click here for updated hours.
Plaça de Catalunya
This large square in the center of Barcelona is always bustling with people. You will pass this square a few times when exploring the city. Several statues line the perimeter of this square. You’ll find thousands of pigeons here, so best to stay clear of them if you don’t want to get pooped on!
Getting Here: You can easily walk from Casa Mila to the Plaza. It’s about a 20-minute walk to get here.
Las Ramblas
Across from Plaça de Catalunya, you’ll find the famous Las Ramblas, a pedestrian-only street that runs through the heart of Barcelona. Filled with tourists, shops, restaurants, and cafes, this attraction is one of the best things to do in Barcelona. It connects Plaça de Catalunya with the Christopher Columbus monument. As it is the most famous street in Barcelona, it gets pretty busy with tourists. But it’s one of those things you must do when in Barcelona.
Note: You’ll find waiters waiving menus in your face as you walk down the street. But don’t get tricked into eating here, the food can often be overpriced and not all that authentic given they cater to so many tourists.
All this walking around this morning probably has you feeling a bit hungry. We suggest making your way to La Boqueria Market next to grab some delicious tapas and a nice cold sangria for lunch.
La Boqueria
Halfway down Las Ramblas is a large indoor market called La Boqueria. This is the city’s oldest market and one that is bustling all day long. It is the perfect place to grab some lunch while you are on the go. You can grab a drink and some tapas at one of the many tapas restaurants located in the market. Check out some of the local Spanish produce that you can purchase to snack on later.
The market is still popular with locals and has one of the largest selections of food ranging from meats, cheeses, fish, and fruit. It’s a great place to get some freshly squeezed juice. You could also take this market tour with tapas to get a real feel and taste of the markets.
Barri Gothic
You can spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the Barri Gothic, also known as the Gothic Quarter. This happens to be Barcelona’s oldest neighborhood. It takes you back in time with its winding alleyways and cobblestone streets. You almost forget you are walking through a big city. It’s easy to spend hours getting lost amongst this area’s small boutiques or cafes. You can visit two beautiful churches in the area, Barcelona Cathedral and Santa Maria Del Mar. This Barri Gothic walking tour takes you around the historic city center where you can delve into the rich history and culture of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter with an expert guide.
Barcelona Cathedral
The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia also known as Barcelona Cathedral is well worth the trip. The roof of this Gothic structure is notable for its gargoyles. You’ll find a plethora of tourists waiting to take a picture outside this beautiful cathedral. You can buy tickets at the cathedral itself or pre-book your skip-the-line tickets here.
And that’s the end of day 1 in Barcelona. Time to sit back and relax and enjoy the evening with some delicious local cuisine. If you are looking for somewhere to head to for dinner, the Gothic Quarter has several restaurants you can try. Alternatively, if you are looking for something to grab and go, you can head back to the markets to grab some fresh local produce.
Day 2: 3 Days in Barcelona
Your second day in Barcelona will have you visiting some of Barcelona’s highlights and main tourist attractions, starting with Sagrada Familia.
Sagrada Familia
This is Barcelona’s main tourist attraction and the work of the famous architect Antoni Gaudi. The construction of this beautiful church began in 1882 and is yet to be completed. It is anticipated that the completion of this church will take place in 2026 (which will mark the 100th death anniversary of Antoni Gaudi). It is said that Gaudi was a huge fan of nature and designed the interior as though it were a huge forest. The columns look like trees with branches supporting the ceiling.
While the outside of the church looks somewhat like a sandcastle, when you walk in you’ll be mesmerized by the color and grandeur of this masterpiece. Natural light plays such an important part in showcasing the interior of the cathedral. A good time to visit is late in the afternoon or closer to sunset (check sunset times before booking tickets) as you’ll see the light flowing in through the stained glass windows. This basilica is mesmerizing at this point.
It is one of the most unique churches we have visited and we highly recommend you do not leave this off your list when you are in Barcelona. It’s one of the best places to visit in Barcelona.
“The work of man should never surpass that of God, and hence the height of the basilica at 172.5m is just short of Mount Montjuic”
Note: Given its popularity, we would highly recommend booking tickets online well in advance of your arrival in Barcelona. This skip-the-line tour will take you through all the main points of interest inside the church. If you choose to buy tickets on the day, be prepared to stand in long lines and possibly be disappointed when you get to the counter as they sell out pretty quickly. Pay a bit more and get the audio guide, especially if you are not joining a tour. With pre-booked tickets, a visit here could last about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on how much you want to take in. You can book a combined tour for La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell which allows you to fast-track and skip the lines.
Park Güell
This park is one of Gaudi’s most creative and imaginative works of art. Park Güell is full of gardens, mosaics, gingerbread houses, and other elements that make it so fascinating. Most of the park is free to walk around, however, if you want to see some of Gaudi’s creative work, be sure to buy tickets to see the Monumental Core. Walking around the park is considered one of the best free things to do in Barcelona.
Like all the Gaudi sites in Barcelona, it’s best to buy tickets in advance to avoid standing in long lines. You can pick a specific time slot but you have to be present for entry to the monumental core at the time specified on your ticket. If you have a Barcelona City Pass can also pre-book your timed entry to Parc Guell online (entry is also included as part of this card). Alternatively, if you have the Go Barcelona Pass, you can visit Parc Guell as part of a free guided tour. This Gaudi Bundle includes pre-booked timed entry to both, Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, as well as an audioguide that covers both attractions.
There are plenty of picnic spots in the park. Carry snacks and water as there aren’t a lot of food options within the park itself. Be mindful of pickpockets around the park and also street vendors trying to sell you overpriced souvenirs. This Park is a bit of a trek from the city but you’ll find it so rewarding. You can walk around Gracía’s neighborhood after exploring the park.
You can choose to end day 2 with a food tour. There’s nothing more satisfying than indulging in local cuisine, especially after a long day of sightseeing.
How are you finding this Barcelona itinerary so far?
While it may seem like there isn’t a lot to do on day two, you’ll find that these attractions take time to visit. La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell are two of the most visited sites in Barcelona. So you’ll spend quite a bit of time moving through crowds and marveling at the beauty they have to offer. And of course, you’ll have to allow for time to travel between the two sites as well. So we suggest just keeping it to these two main attractions on day 2 and making the most of your time here. After that, you will just want to put your feet up and relax. Or if you feel like hitting the shops of Barcelona, you can feel free to do this too.
Day 3: 3 Days in Barcelona
Your third day in Barcelona is nice and relaxing starting with a visit to Parc de la Ciutadella, followed by a nice relaxing afternoon at La Barceloneta before heading up the hill to visit Montjuic Castle. And then finally finishing off with a spectacular sound and light display.
Parc de la Ciutadella
It’s best to start day 3 at Parc de la Ciutadella where you’ll find an array of things to explore. From beautiful fountains, animals, lush palm trees an art museum, a greenhouse, and the Catalan Parliament, this 70-acre park has plenty of green areas for you and your family to have a picnic. Such a great way to spend the morning especially if you are traveling with kids. Parc de la Ciutadella is one of the most popular places to visit in Barcelona for families.
While you are here, don’t miss Barcelona’s own Arc de Triomf. This giant arch was the main gate access for the 1888 World’s Fair.
La Barceloneta
Who doesn’t love a beach day? Easily walkable from Parc de la Ciutadella, head to the famous La Barceloneta beach for a quick dip. This is the perfect activity to do in Barcelona with kids. There are many restaurants along the boardwalk or within the neighborhood for you to grab a quick bite.
Lunch
If you are looking for somewhere close and local to grab a bite check out IGUAZU a great seafood restaurant. It’s a tiny family-run restaurant and there’s often a queue to get it, but so worthwhile if you are looking for some fresh seafood.
Montjuïc Hill and Montjuïc Castle
You’ll find several attractions in this area. You can learn about the different regions of Spain at Poble Espanyol or visit the Joan Miró Foundation or the National Museum of Catalan Art if you are an art lover.
Once you get to the top of the hill, you’ll find Montjuïc Castle. This Castle is a fortress that has played a key role in the history of the city. Today the castle is open to tourists who can wander through its huge walls and take in views of the city. There is however an entry fee to get in.
You could easily spend a few hours at Montjuic Hill. You can ride the cable car up which takes you directly to the castle. Alternatively, you can take the bus up there too.
Montjuïc Fountain
Last but not least on this itinerary is the Montjuic Fountain. The Montjuic Fountain Show takes place several nights a week and is one of the top places to visit in Barcelona. It is a great way to finish your trip to Barcelona. Click here for a schedule of the show.
The fountain runs a spectacular water, sound, and light show in the evenings. It’s an unmissable thing to do in Barcelona. It’s a great way to spend an evening if you are visiting Barcelona with kids. The shows can get quite crowded so be sure to get there early to secure a good spot. You won’t want to miss out on this attraction as it’s one of the best things to do in Barcelona at night.
End the day with dinner at one of my favorite tapas bars, La Tere Gastrobar. The staff are friendly and will recommend the most popular things on the menu. In saying that, everything on the menu was delicious.
If you have more time in Barcelona, check out my guide on the best things to do in Barcelona. You can add some of the other mentioned attractions to this itinerary.
TIP: If you are ever short on time in any city, pick the top attractions you’d like t to visit and group them by their location. This will prevent you from spending unnecessary time going back and forth from one end of the city to another. A quick way to see the city is to jump on the hop on hop off sightseeing bus.
Day Trips from Barcelona
If you have extended time in Barcelona and would like to spend one of those days exploring the Catalan region, then here are a few day trip options for you:
- Girona: Visiting Girona is one of the more popular day trip options from Barcelona. Girona has spectacular old medieval streets to explore, and in recent years has attracted more tourists due to the filming of the famous TV sitcom, Game of Thrones.
- A day trip to Montserrat: You’ll find the famous Montserrat monastery built at the top of the sawtooth-like mountains. This is a wonderful place for hiking. You can make your own way to Montserrat via train or hire a car, alternatively, there are plenty of tours that can take you there.
- Sitges: Jump on a train or drive to the beautiful town of Sitges situated about 35 kilometers southwest of Barcelona. Spend a day wandering through beautiful Sitges relaxing on a picturesque beach or wandering through some historical sites.
- A day trip to the Costa Brava region: Costa Brava is home to stunning beaches and hidden coves among other hidden gems. The beauty of this region will leave you speechless, and if you love beaches, then look no further. This region is a haven for beach lovers.
Barcelona Travel Guide: Know Before You Go
- Barcelona is a great city but pickpocketing and bag snatching are an issue here. So, stay alert when you are walking through the city, especially when on public transport. It’s easy to get lost in a moment of being wowed by a tourist attraction but try to be cautious at all times.
- Catalán is the main language spoken in Barcelona however most people know Spanish too.
- Spanish mealtimes are a bit different. Lunch is available anytime between 2 pm and 3.30 pm (anything before that is too early for the Spaniards). In fact, a lot of restaurants only open between 1 and 1.30 pm which means they’ll only start serving you much after that.
- Dinner is usually any time after 8.30/9 pm which is when most of the restaurants start to open. The later the better. Spaniards are not known to be early eaters. If you are looking for a snack before dinner, you’ll find a few cafes and pastelarias that are open in the evenings where you can have a snack before dinner.
- The climate in Barcelona is lovely. The best time to visit is between May and October, but bear in mind summer is also the peak tourist season. So, you can expect crowds everywhere. If you aren’t a fan of huge crowds and high temperatures, we’d suggest you look to visit at a different time of the year.
Getting Around Barcelona
Barcelona has a great public transportation network. You can get to any of the destinations listed on the itinerary above using the metro, buses, or trams. Taxis can be expensive but if you find you need to get to some of the out-of-the-city destinations like Park Güell, it may be well worth it. Otherwise, walking is the best way to get around the central sites of the city.
If you are going to use public transport you have two options. First, you can buy individual tickets as you go. The most cost-effective way to do this is the ten-ticket (T-Casual) card. This is much cheaper than buying individual tickets and also lets you change transport options within an hour and fifteen minutes of starting your journey.
The other option for public transport is the Hola BCN card, which gives unlimited access to the transport network in the city and is available for 48-hour to 120-hour durations. You can buy that online here.
The Barcelona Pass
Whether or not to purchase the pass is always a tricky question and ultimately comes down to your preference. While the pass includes several tourist attractions, it may not include some of the famous ones like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. Some of the attractions included on the pass may be of no interest to you. We preferred to purchase my tickets individually and only for the attractions that we wanted to see.
If you have more than 3 days in Barcelona and plan to do a lot more than what’s listed on the itinerary above, you may want to look into a pass of some sort.
Where to Stay in Barcelona
Barcelona has so many neighborhoods and it can be tricky trying to find the best place to stay in Barcelona when exploring the city. So, we’ve put together a post on where to Stay In Barcelona which highlights some of the best neighborhoods in Barcelona for you to choose from.
Phew, that was a lot of information. Hopefully, you’ve found this guide informative and that in some way it helps you plan your trip to this incredible city and make the most of your 3 days in Barcelona. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Happy Travels!
Note: The information here is updated the best we can at the time of writing this article. Please check attractions, activities, and transport before your trip as things tend to change from time to time.
